Metoprolol — Blood Pressure & Heart Medication | KiwiMeds
✅ Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ | Last updated: May 2026 | This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist.
What is metoprolol?
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker — a medicine that slows your heart rate and reduces the force of your heart’s contractions. It is widely used in New Zealand for a range of heart and blood pressure conditions. You may see it prescribed as metoprolol tartrate (short-acting) or metoprolol succinate (long-acting, slow-release).
What is it used for? (NZ context)
Metoprolol is used for high blood pressure (hypertension), angina (chest pain), heart failure, heart attack recovery, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and sometimes for anxiety-related physical symptoms (e.g. tremor, palpitations). It is funded by Pharmac for many of these indications.
How does it work?
Beta-blockers like metoprolol work by blocking the effects of adrenaline (epinephrine) on beta-adrenergic receptors in your heart. This slows the heart rate, reduces the strength of each heartbeat, and lowers blood pressure. In heart failure, this paradoxically helps the heart become more efficient over time.
How to take it
Always take metoprolol exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop or change your dose without medical advice.
Common side effects
- Fatigue and tiredness — very common
- Cold hands and feet
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Dizziness, especially when standing
- Shortness of breath with exercise
- Sleep disturbances or vivid dreams
- Nausea
Serious side effects to watch for
Metoprolol can mask the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) if you are diabetic — you may not feel the usual warning signs. Do not stop metoprolol suddenly — this can cause a rebound increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and can be dangerous in people with angina or heart disease. Always taper off under medical supervision.
Important drug interactions
- Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem) — combination can severely slow heart rate; avoid combination
- Clonidine — stopping clonidine while on a beta-blocker can cause rebound high blood pressure
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, etc.) — may reduce the blood pressure lowering effect
- Antidepressants (some) — interactions possible; discuss with your doctor
NZ-specific information
Pharmac funding: Metoprolol tartrate and metoprolol succinate are both funded. Available as tablets (25mg, 50mg, 100mg) and extended-release tablets. Brand names in NZ: Betaloc (branded), generic metoprolol (funded). Taking it: Usually taken once or twice daily depending on the formulation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I exercise on metoprolol? Yes, but your maximum heart rate will be lower than usual — do not push yourself to reach a high heart rate target. What if I feel very tired? Fatigue is a common side effect. Talk to your doctor — sometimes adjusting the dose or switching to a different beta-blocker helps.
Related medications
Amlodipine (blood pressure) | Atorvastatin (cholesterol) | Sertraline (depression/anxiety)
Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor for personalised advice. This information is general and educational — it does not replace a consultation with your healthcare provider.
References & Further Information
The following New Zealand and international resources were used to inform this page: